Effects of Trainee Field Attachment Skills Acquisition and Teamwork on Workplace Performance in Kenya

Author: Peter Bor, Prof. Peter Okemwa, Prof. Herbert Dimo

Date: 2024

Abstract: The Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Programmes in Kenya include compulsory industrial/field attachment at all levels. The industrial attachment allows trainees to relate theory to practice and to prepare them for the ever-increasing and dynamic workforce requirements and further training. However, the trainees come out of the attachment period with little work skills which can lead to poor work performance in the labor market. The proposed study will assess the impact of TVET learners’ field attachment skills acquisition on work performance in Kenya. The study objectives were to; determine the contribution of TVET learners’ field attachment skills acquisition on workplace performance in Kenya, and, explore the influence of trainee teamwork in field attachment on workplace performance in Kenya. The study employed a descriptive research design. The unit of analysis for this study consisted of all the 9 TVET institutions in Uasin Gishu and Nandi Counties that have placed their trainees on field attachment. The target population was 442 with a sample of 206 field attachment supervisors. The study used questionnaires and interviews to collect data. Collected data was sorted, edited, coded, analyzed and presented in the form of frequency tables. Findings from the study revealed that; 53.4% and 46.6% of the respondents were male and female, respectively. Building and civil engineering department had 23.8% of the respondents, business and liberal studies department had 24.3% of the respondents and finally, electrical and electronics engineering department led with 27% of the respondents followed by mechanical engineering at 25%. The study also showed that majority of the trainees attended a period of 1-2 months (58.7%) and those who attended 2-3 months were 41.3%. Approximately 65% of the respondents noted that the trainee’s field attachment skills acquisition and teamwork had significant positive impact on trainee’s performance in the workplace

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